Safety can



C. LISCIANI Sept. 25, 1956 SAFETY CAN 2 Sheets Sheet 1 Filed June 20, 1952 p 25, 1956 c. LlSClANl 2,764,318

SAFETY CAN Filed June 20, 1952 2 Sheefis-Sheet 2 United States Patent '0 2,7 64,318 SAFETY CAN Constantine Lisciani, Chicago, 11]., assignor to The Protectoseal Company, Chicago, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Application June 20, 1952, Serial No. 294,753

14 Claims. (Cl. 222-189) The invention relates generally to supply cans, and the like, and more particularly to cans of the safety type for use with inflammable liquids.

The invention has among its objects the production of a can, which includes automatic venting and safety protection and is relatively simple in construction having a minimum of parts and is also exceedingly durable and efficient in use.

Another object of the invention is the production of a can closure mechanism which is of particular use for containers adapted to dispense small quantities of liquids wherein the flow of liquid may be readily controlled, as for example, when pouring into small restricted openings such as those encountered in blow torches, bottles and other machines.

A further object of the invention is the production of a spout structure and closure including a fire bafile which is very simple in construction.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

To this end, my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view through a can structure and closure mechanism embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 22 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 3--3 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the top portion of the can taken approximately on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, 1 indicates generally a metal container or can of any suitable shape having side walls 2, a bottom (not shown), and a cover member or top 3, the latter, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, having a peripheral flange 4 secured to the upper portions of the side walls 2 to provide a closed container suitable for storing inflammable and other liquids.

The top 3 is provided with a horizontally extending central portion 5 on which is mounted a pouring spout, indicated genera-11y by the numeral 6. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the spout 6 comprises a hollow body member 7 which, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, may be formed as a casting. The member 6 is provided with a threaded bore 8 in the top thereof which is closed by a cap member 9 threaded into the bore 8, the juncture between the body and the cap being sealed by a suitable gasket member 11 positioned therebetween. The body member 6 is provided with an opening 12 in the bottom thereof communicating with the can interior, the can top 3 having an opening 13 therein aligned with the opening 12. The body member 6 is secured to the can top by any suitable means, such means, in the em- Patented Sept. 25, 1956 bodiment illustrated, comprising an annular shoulder 14 on the bottom of the body member 6, the shoulder extending into the can interior and flared over the inner edge of the can top, as indicated at 15, thus firmly securing the body member to the can top. If desired, additional means, such as solder, or other bonding material, may also be employed.

Encircling the opening 12 is an upwardly extending valve seat 16, and cooperating with the latter is a valve structure, indicated generally by the numeral 17, comprising a valve stem 18 which extends through a bore 19 in the cap 9, the opposite end of the stem 18 being provided with a head 21 upon which is seated an annular gasket member 22. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the gasket member 22 which may be of suitable material as for examplesynthetic rubber, is provided with a bore 23 through which extends a headed stud or rivet 24, the bore 23 in the gasket member being approximately the same diameter as the shank 25 of the stud 24 so that the gasket member may be sprung over the head of the stud, and will be retained by the latter when the gasket member is positioned as illustrated in Fig. 2.

The cap 9 is provided with a recess 26 encircling the stem 18, and slidably mounted on the latter is a packing gland 27 which cooperates with the recess 26 to compress a quantity of packing 28 in the latter. Interposed between the packing gland 28 and the head 21 of the valve structure is a compression spring 29, the latter being operative to force the valve stem downward and bring the gasket 22 into sealing engagement with the valve seat 16. As the spring 29 also bears against the gland 27, it urges the latter upward, thereby effectively compressing the packing 28 around the stem 18.

Encircling the valve structure and extending from the bottom 7 of the body member 6 is a tubular fire baflle 31 which may be of any suitable construction as, for example, perforated metal, wire mesh, or the like. The baflle 31, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2, extends from the bottom 7 to the cap member 9, and is prevented from radially shifting by an annular shoulder 32 formed on the bottom 7, and is seated against a similar shoulder 33 on the cap member.

Extending laterally outward and upward is a pouring spout 34, the latter having a flexible spout member 35 secured thereto providing means for facilitating the filling of containers having small filler openings. The member 35 comprises a flexible tube of standard construction, and is connected to the body member 1 by an internally threaded coupling sleeve 36 rigidly secured to the adjacent end of the member 35, and engaged with the external threads 37 on the spout 34, a suitable gasket 38 being interposed therebetween to prevent leakage. Extending upwardly from the inner or opposite side of the body member 6 is a pair of spaced lugs or cars 39, the latter being connected by a suitable pivot pin or rivet 41, illustrated in the drawings as being provided with heads 42 at each end to. prevent axial movement thereof.

Pivotally mounted on the pin 41 is a generally L- shaped lever member 43 having a generally horizontally extending leg 44 and a downwardly depending leg 45, the lever 44 being suitably secured to a sleeve or collar 46 which is rotatably mounted on the pin 41. The free end of the leg 44 is bifurcated, as indicated at 47, and is operatively connected to the stem 18, the latter being provided with an annular slot 48 in the free external end thereof to form a head 49 of greater diameter than the width of the bifurcation 47. Thus by rotating the lever 43 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, the leg 44 thereof will raise the stem 18 and associated valve structure to withdraw the gasket 22 from sealing engage ment with the valve seat 16, and upon release of the lever 43, the spring 29 will move the valve structure into sealing position.

Rigidly mounted on the top of the can cover adjacent the leg 45 of the lever 43 is a U-shapcd bracket 51 having spaced, upwardly extending portions 52, the bracket 51 being secured to the can top by bonding, spot Welding, or other suitable means. Extending between the portions 52 of the bracket 51 and secured thereto by the heads 53 is a rivet 54 on which is pivotally mounted a channel-shaped actuating member or arm 55, the latter comprising a pair of side members 56 connected by an intermediate portion 57. Encircling the pivot pin or rivet 54 is a torsion spring 58, one end 59 of which bears on the portion 57 of the actuating member 55, and the opposite end 61 bears on the top of the can so that the spring 58 urges the member 55 about the rivet 54 in a clockwise direction, and thus tends to move the free opposite end 62 of the member 55 downwardly toward the can top. Positioned below the portion 57 adjacent the end 62 of the member 55 is a vent opening 63 in the can top 3, such opening being formed by a tubular sleeve 64 suitably secured to the can top and forming at its free upper end a valve seat 65, the latter being adapted to be normally sealed by a synthetic rubber or plastic gasket 66 carried by the member 55 on the under side of the portion 57 thereof, the gasket 66 being secured to the member 55 by an annular cap or ring 67 bonded, spot welded, or otherwise secured to the member 55. In the construction illustrated, the radial width of the retaining flange 68 of the member 67 is so proportioned that the gasket 66, which may be in the form of a small disk, may be sufficiently deformed to permit insertion into the member 67, following which it will occupy the position illustrated in Fig. 1, and be retained in place by the flange 68.

Extending between the walls 52 of the actuating member or arm 55 is a pin or rivet 69, the latter being rigidly held in position by suitable means as, for example, heads 71, the pin 69 being positioned adjacent the depending leg 45 of the lever 43, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2, so that when the member 55 is in the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, as urged by the spring 58, the pin 69 will be adjacent to the free end of the leg 45 of the lever 43, but will not be in position to move the lever sufficiently to apply force to the stem 18 of the valve structure. However, when the member 55 is manually rotated in counterclockwise direction about the rivet 54, the pin 69 will rock the lever 47 in a clockwise direction, and as a result of the interconnection between the leg portion 44 and the valve stem 18, the leg 44, as it rotates upwardly, will raise the valve stem 18, drawing the sealing gasket 22 away from the valve seat 16 thereby opening the pouring spout. Such manual rotation of the member 55 may be readily accomplished by means of a handle 72 connected to the member 55 adjacent the end 62 thereof, such handle, in the construction illustrated, being formed from relatively heavy wire rod, or the like, and it is generally C-shaped having a horizontally extending, hand-engaging portion 73, downwardly extending portion 74, and oppositely disposed portion 75, the latter extending through bores or openings 76 in the walls 56 of the actuating member. Also secured to the can top 3 and extending above the operating handle 72 is a carrying bail or handle 77, the latter having a horizontally extending portion 78 positioned more or less directly over the hand-engaging portion 73 of the handle 72 so that by grasping the portion 78 and the portion 73, and closing the hand, the handle 72 may be readily and easily drawn upward to actuate the valve structure. It will be noted that as the actuating member 55 is rotated upwardly, the gasket 66 will be raised from the seat 65, thereby opening the vent to insure easy pouring from the container.

Positioned adjacent the handle or bail 77, but on the opposite side thereof with respect to the spout member, is a filler neck 79 which may be of standard construction, utilizing a closure cap 31 carried by an actuating handle 82 pivotally mounted on the neck 79 by means of a bracket 83, such closure structure being biased by means of a torsion spring 84 in its closed position, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. Likewise, as illustrated in Fig. l, a suitable fire bafiie 85 may be incorporated in the filler structure, the details of construction of which form no part of the present invention. It will be noted, however, that the relation of the filler opening and the handle 82 with respect to the carrying handle or bail 77 is such that the horizontally extending portion 78 of the latter forms a stop for the closure structure when in its open position, and facilitates filling of the container as the horizontally extending portion 78 and the handle 82 may be readily grasped to maintain the structure in open position without fatigue on the part of the user.

It will be noted from the above description that the present construction enables the use of a majority of parts which may be formed as inexpensive stampings, and readily assembled, at the same time providing a very efficient and durable closure structure which provides automatic venting of the container during operation.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a closed can, the combination of a spout member mounted on the can top, a valve structure including a valve stem and a sealing gasket positioned in said member, said valve stem extending through a wall of said spout member and movable to open or seal the can, an actuating member pivotally mounted on said can top for vertical movement from a horizontal closed position to an angular open position, the top having a vent opening therein contiguous to the free and rotatable end of the actuating member, sealing means mounted on the free end of the actuating member and operatively related to the vent opening, said sealing means including a gasket and means for mounting the gasket affixed to the actuating member, spring means biasing said actuating member downwardly to a horizontal position in which the can is sealed and also operative to urge said sealing means to a horizontal and a vent sealing position, an L-shaped lever pivotally mounted on said spout member for vertical movement and including a horizontal portion engageable with said valve stem, said actuating member and lever having fixed, substantially parallel axes and operatively mounted for rotation about said axes, said axes for the actuating member and the lever operatively positioned contiguous to the spout member with the ,axis for the actuating member positioned below the axis for the lever and operatively mounted contiguously thereto, said lever including a downwardly extending portion positioned adjacent said actuating member and handle means operatively related to said actuating member providing means for moving the actuating member vertically into a vent position and simultaneously into engagement with said lever to rotatably move the lever into a position to actuate said valve stem into open position.

2. In a closed can, the combination of a spout member mounted on the can top, a valve structure including a valve stem and a sealing gasket carried by said member, said valve stem extending through a wall of said spout member and movable to open or seal the can, an actuat ing member pivotally mounted on said can top for vertical rotational movement from a horizontal closed position to an angular open position, th top having a vent opening therein, sealing means mounted on said actuating member and operatively related to the vent opening for sealing the same, said sealing means including a gasket and means for mounting the gasket affixed to the actuating member, spring means biasing said actuating member downwardly to a horizontal position in which the can is sealed and also in a direction to urge said sealing means into a horizontal and a vent sealing position adjacent the can top, an L-shaped lever including a horizontal portion and a downwardly extending portion pivotally mounted on said spout member for vertical rotational movement and having the horizontal portion engageable with said valve stem, said lever having the downwardly extending portion positioned adjacent said actuating member, said lever and actuating member pivoted for rotational movement on parallel horizontal axes contiguous to the spout member, the lever operatively positioned contiguous to the spout member with the axis for the actuating member positioned below the axis for the lever and operatively mounted above the can top, and handle means operatively related to said actuating member providing means for moving the actuating member vertically into a vent position and simultaneously into engagement with said downwardly extending portion of the lever to move the lever into 'a position to actuate said valve structure into open position.

3. In a closed can, the combination of a spout member mounted on the can top, a valve structure including a valve stem and a sealing gasket carried by said member, said valve stem extending through a wall of said spout member and movable to open or seal the can, an actuating member pivotally mounted on said can top on a pivot connection for arcuate movement about its axis from a horizontal closed position to an angular open position, spring means biasing said actuating member downwardly in a direction to urge said actuating member downwardly into a horizontal position adjacent the can top in which the can is sealed, a lever pivotally mounted on said spout member and having a horizontal slotted portion engageable with said valve stem for moving the valve stem vertically to an open position, said actuating member including a transverse member adjacent the pivot connection forming a lost-motion connection between the lever and actuating member, said lever having a downwardly extending portion positioned adjacent said actuating member and engageable by said transverse member upon a counterclockwise movement of said actuating member, and vertically movable handle means operatively related to said actuating member providing means for pivoting the actuating member into engagement with the trans verse member of said lever to move the lever into a position to actuate said valve structure into open position.

4. In a closed can, the combination of a spout member mounted on the can top and a carrying bail for carrying and lifting the can axially spaced on the can from said spout member, said carrying bail transversely mounted with respect to the axis of the spout member, a valve structure including a valve stem and a sealing gasket carried by said member, said valve stem extending through a wall of said spout member and movable to open or seal the can, a channel-shaped actuating member including upright leg members and pivotally mounted on said can top for arcuate movement on a pivot connection about its axis from a horizontal closed position to an angular open position, spring means biasing said channel-shaped actuating member downwardly in a direction to urge said actuating member downwardly into a horizontal position adjacent the can top in which the can is sealed, an L-shaped lever pivotally mounted on said spout member and including a horizontal portion engageable with said valve stem for moving the valve stem vertically to an open position, said actuating member including a transverse member operatively mounted on said leg members thereof and adjacent the pivot connection forming a lost-motion connection between the lever and actuating member, said lever further including a downwardly extending portion positioned adjacent said actuating member and engageable by said transverse member upon a counterclockwise movenient of said actuating member, handle means operatively and transversely related to said actuating member providing means for vertically pivoting the transverse member of said actuating member into engagement with the downwardly extending portion of said lever to move the same into a position to actuate said valve structure into open position, and said transverse carrying bail overlying the transverse handle means of the actuating member and permitting the handle bail and handle means to be simultaneously grasped to move said valve stem to open position on the pouring position of the can.

5. In a closed can, the combination of a spout member mounted on the can top adjacent an edge of the can, a valve structure including a valve stem and a sealing gasket positioned in said member, said valve stem extending through a wall of said spout member and movable to open or seal the can, an actuating member pivotally mounted on a pivot connection for vertical movement from a horizontal closed position to an angular open position adjacent one end thereof on said can top with said pivoted end positioned adjacent said body member in a horizontal closed position, said can top having a vent opening therein positioned below said actuating member, sealing means mounted on said actuating member and positioned to overlie said vent openin Said sealing means including a gasket and means for mounting the gasket afiixed to the actuating member, spring means biasing said actuating member downwardly operative to urge the sealing means thereon into a vent sealing position and also to a position in which the can is sealed, an inverted L-shaped lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said cap member and including a horizontal leg portion operatively engaged with the free end of said valve stem, said actuating member including a transverse member adjacent the pivot connection forming a lost-motion connection between the lever and actuating member, said lever having a downwardly extending leg positioned adjacent the pivoted end of said actuating member and engageable by said transverse member upon a counterclockwise movement of said actuating member, a carrying bail rigidly mounted on said can and extending transversely across said actuating member, and handle means operatively related to said carrying bail and actuating member providing means for moving the actuating member into a vent position and the transverse member of the actuating member simultaneously into engagement with the downwardly extending leg of said lever to move the same into a position to actuate said valve stem and gasket into open position.

6. In a closed can of the kind described, the combination of a can body, a hollow spout member mounted on the can top having an opening in the bottom thereof communicating with the can interior, a valve seat positioned within the spout and encircling said opening, a valve stem positioned above said opening and movable toward and away from the latter, the upper end of said valve stem extending through the top of said spout member, the top of said spout member having a packing receiving recess in its inner face encircling said valve stem, a packing gland slidably mounted on said valve stem, a compression spring encircling said valve stem and interposed between said packing gland and a portion of said stem adjacent said sealing gasket operative to urge the valve stem and the gasket carried thereby into engagement with the valve seat, and to urge the packing gland into engagement with said packing, an annular fire baffle positioned on said spout member and operatively interposed between the valve opening and the pouring spout of the spout member, said top and hollow spout member complementally formed to receive the upper and lower ends of the annular fire baflle, and means carried by said can operatively connected to the free end of said stem for moving the latter and the gasket carried thereby away from said valve seat.

7. In a closed can of the kind described the combination of a can body, a structure comprising a body mounted on the can top and a cap member, the body member having an opening in the bottom thereof opposite said cap member and communicating with the can interior, a valve seat positioned in the body member and encircling said opening, a headed valve stem positioned above said opening and a sealing gasket carried by the head of said valve stem and cooperable with said valve seat movable toward and away from the latter, the upper end of said valve stem extending through said cap member, the latter having a packing receiving recess in its inner face encircling said valve stem, a packing gland slidably mounted on said valve stem, a compression spring encircling said valve stem and interposed between said packing gland and said valve head operative to urge the latter inwardly and the gasket carried thereby into engagement with the valve seat, and to urge the packing gland into engagement with said packing, a tubular fire baflie positioned in said body member and enclosing said valve stem, gasket and valve seat, said baflie extending from the bottom of said body member to said cap member, said cap member and body member complementally formed to receive the upper and lower ends of the annular fire baflie, and means carried by said can operatively connected to the free end of said stem for moving the latter and the gasket carried thereby away from said valve seat.

8. In a closed can of the kind described the combination of a can body, a hollow spout member provided with an upper opening and mounted on the can top, a cap member for the upper opening of the hollow spout member and having an opening in the bottom thereof communicating with the can interior, a valve seat positioned within the spout and encircling said opening, said valve seat extending upwardly within the hollow spout member, a valve stem positioned above said opening and movable toward and away from the latter, a sealing gasket carried by said valve stem and cooperable with said valve seat, the upper end of said valve stem extending through the cap member, the cap member of said spout member having a packing receiving recess in its inner face encircling said valve stem, a packing gland slidably mounted on said valve stem, a compression spring encircling said valve stem and interposed between said packing gland and a portion of said stem adjacent said sealing gasket operative to urge the valve stem inwardly and the gasket carried thereby into engagement with the valve seat, said cap member permitting assembly of the valve stem and associated parts through the upper opening, and to urge the packing gland into engagement with said packing, and means carried by said can operatively connected to the free ext rnal end of said stem for moving the latter and the gasket carried thereby away from said valve seat.

9. In a closed can of the kind described the combination of a can body, a hollow spout member mounted on the can top, and having an opening in the bottom thereof communicating with the can interior, a valve seat positioned within the spout and encircling said opening, a valve stem positioned above said opening and movable toward and away from the latter, a sealing gasket carried by said valve stem and cooperable with said valve seat, the upper end of said valve stem extending through the top of said spout member, the top of said spout member having a packing receiving recess in its inner face encircling said valve stem, a packing gland slidably mounted on said valve stem, a compression spring encircling said valve stem and interposed between said packing gland and a portion of said stem adjacent said sealing gasket operative to urge the valve stem inwardly and the gasket carried thereby into engagement with the valve seat, and to urge the packing gland into engagement with said packing, an actuating member pivotally mounted for vertical movement on said can top, the can top having a vent opening therein, a sealing member carried by said actuating member operatively related to the vent opening, spring means biasing said actuating member downwardly operative to urge said sealing member in a vent sealing position, an L-shaped lever pivotally mounted on said spout member and including a horizontal portion engageable with said valve stem, said lever having a downwardly extending portion positioned adjacent said actuating member, and handle means operatively related to said actuating member providing means for vertically moving the actuating member into a venting position and simultaneously into engagement with the downwardly extending portion of said lever to move the lever into a position to actuate said valve stem and gasket into open position.

10. In a safety can, the combination of a can body having a top thereon, a spout structure comprising a hollow body member mounted on the can top, and a cap member, the body member having an opening in the bottom thereof opposite said cap member and communieating with the can interior, a valve seat positioned in the body member encircling said opening, a headed valve stem positioned above said opening and movable toward and away from the latter, the upper end of said valve stem extending through said cap member, a sealing gasket carried by the head of said valve stem and cooperable with said valve seat, said cap member having a packing receiving recess in its inner face encircling said valve stem, packing positioned in said recess, a packing gland slidably mounted on said valve stem, a compression spring encircling said valve stem and interposed between said packing gland and said valve head operative to urge the latter inwardly and the gasket carried thereby into engagement with the valve seat, and to urge the packing gland into engagement with said packing, a tubular fire bafiie positioned in said body member and enclosing said valve stem, gasket and valve seat, said bafiie extending from the bottom of said body member to said cap member, said cap member and body member complementally formed to receive the upper and lower ends of the tubular fire baffie, an actuating member pivotally mounted for vertical movement adjacent one end thereof on said can top with said pivoted end positioned adjacent said body member, said can top having a vent opening therein positioned below said actuating member, a sealing member carried by said actuating member positioned to overlie said vent opening, spring means biasing said actuating member operative to urge the sealing member thereon into a vent sealing position, an inverted L-shaped lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said body member and having a horizontal leg portion operatively engaged with the free external end of said valve stem, the opposite leg portion thereof being extending downwardly and positioned adjacent the pivoted end of said actuating memher, a carrying bail rigidly mounted on said can and extending transversely across said actuating member, and handle means positioned below said bail and operatively related to said carrying bail and actuating member to provide means for moving the latter into a venting position and simultaneously into engagement with the adjacent leg of said lever to move the latter into a position to actuate said valve stem and gasket into open position.

11. In a safety can, the combination of a can body having a top thereon, a spout structure comprising a hollow body member mounted on the can top, and a cap member, the body member having an opening in the botton thereof opposite said cap member and communicating with the can interior, a valve seat positioned in the body member encircling said opening, a headed valve stem positioned above said opening and movable toward and away from the latter, the upper end of said valve stem extending through said cap member, a sealing gasket carried by the head of said valve stem and cooperable with said valve seat, said cap member having a packing receiving recess in its inner face encircling said valve stem, packing positioned in said recess, a packing gland slidably mounted on said valve stem, a compression spring encircling said valve stem and interposed between said packing gland and said valve head operative to urge the latter inwardly and the gasket carried thereby into engage ment with the valve seat, and to urge the packing gland into engagement with said packing, a tubular fire baffle positioned in said body member and enclosing said valve stem, gasket and valve seat, said baffle extending from the bottom of said body member to said cap member, an actuating member pivotally mounted adjacent one end thereof on said can top with said pivoted end positioned adjacent said body member, said can top having a vent opening therein positioned below said actuating member, a sealing member carried by said actuating member positioned to overlie said vent opening, spring means biasing said actuating member operative to urge the sealing member thereon into a vent sealing position, an inverted L- shaped lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said body member and having one leg portion operatively engaged with the free external end of said valve stem, the opposite leg portion thereof being positioned adjacent the pivoted end of said actuating member, a carrying bail rigidly mounted on said can and extending transversely across said actuating member, and handle means positioned below said bail and operatively related to said actuating member to provide means for moving the latter into a venting position and simultaneously into engagement with the adjacent leg of said lever to move the latter into a position to actuate said valve stem and gasket into open position.

12. In a safety can, the combination of a can body having a top thereon, a spout structure comprising a hollow body member mounted on the can top, and a cap member, the body member having an opening in the bottom thereof opposite said cap member and communieating with the can interior, a valve seat positioned in the body member encircling said opening, a valve stem positioned above said opening and movable toward and away from the latter, the upper end of said valve stem extending through said cap member, a sealing gasket carried by said valve stem and cooperable with said valve seat, a compression spring encircling said valve stem and engaged with said valve stem operative to urge the latter inwardly and the gasket carried thereby into engagement with the valve seat, a tubular fire bafile positioned in said body member and enclosing said valve stem, gasket and valve seat, said baffie extending from the bottom of said body member to said cap member, an actuating member pivotally mounted adjacent one end thereof on said can top with said pivoted end positioned adjacent said body member, said can top having a vent opening therein positioned below said actuating member, a sealing member carried by said actuating member positioned to overlie said vent opening, spring means biasing said actuating member operative to urge the sealing member thereon into a vent sealing position, an inverted L-shaped lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said body member and having one leg portion operatively engaged with the free external end of said valve stem, the opposite leg portion thereof being positioned adjacent the pivoted end of said actuating member, a carrying bail rigidly mounted on said can and extending transversely across said actuating member, and handle means positioned below said bail and operatively related to said actuating member to provide means for moving the latter into a venting position and simultaneously into engagement with 10 the adjacent leg of said lever to move the latter into a position to actuate said valve stem and gasket into open position.

13. A safety can comprising a can body having a top thereon, a spout structure comprising a hollow body member mounted on the can top and a detachable cap member, the body member having an opening in the top thereof complementally formed to receive said detachable cap and having another opening in the bottom thereof opposite said cap member and communicating with the can interior, a detachable tubular fire bafi le, said detachable cap member and hollow body member complementally formed to the end of the tubular fire bafiie to retain the fire bafiie in position and affixed between the detachable cap and bottom of the hollow body member and contiguous the opening and providing an annular passage between the inner wall of the hollow body member and the fire bafiie, said tubular fire baffle, detachable cap member and openings in said hollow body member concentrically arranged, and said tubular fire baffle also forming a strainer for the liquid within the safety can.

14. A safety can comprising a can body having a top thereon, a spout structure comprising a hollow body member mounted on the can top and a detachable cap member, the body member having an opening in the top thereof complementally formed to receive said detachable cap and having another opening in the bottom thereof opposite said cap member and communicating with the can interior, a detachable tubular fire baffie, said detachable cap member and hollow body member complementally formed to the end of the tubular fire bafiie to retain the fire baffle in position and afiixed between the detachable cap and bottom of the hollow body member and contiguous the opennig and providing an annular passage between the inner wall of the hollow body member and the fire bafiie, said tubular fire baffie, detachable cap member and openings in said hollow body member concentrically arranged, said tubular fire baffie also forming a strainer for the liquid within the safety can, valve means including a valve stem and gasket means axially mounted with respect to the detachable tubular fire bafiie and spring biased from said detachable cap, an annular seat for said gasket means contiguous to the aforesaid bottom opening, said gasket means normally biased to its closed position on said annular seat, means for actuating said valve means exteriorly of said detachable cap, said detachable cap, valve stem and spring biased gasket means operatively assembled to be attached to and detached from said hollow body member, and said tubular fire screen operatively assembled to be attached and detached Within said hollow body member through the opening in the top of the hollow body member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 294,427 Anderson Mar. 4, 1884 931,370 Asbury Aug. 17, 1909 1,092,101 Hansen Mar. 31, 1914 1,687,120 Blanchard Oct. 9, 1928 2,086,219 Geyser July 6, 1937 2,172,142 Lebus Sept. 5, 1939 

